SPORTS DAYS

Nothing is bigger than Sports Days in Sierra Leone primary schools. Not just an exciting day for students, these gatherings are well-attended by everyone in the community. This spring CAUSE Kids provided funds so that three of our schools (two for the first time) could plan a sports day.

The planning begins weeks or months ahead of the event where students are divided into four different “houses” and then the training begins. During Physical Education classes and after school, students can be seen running, jumping and preparing to lead their house to victory. On the field itself, teachers and students build booths out of bamboo where the houses will gather (there is even a prize for the best-made booth). The event is usually two-days long and begins with a parade and grand opening, as well as the attendance of dignitaries who oversee the proceedings. Festivities begin with the typical running, wheel-barrow, relay and three-legged races, high and long-jumping and also the unique eating contests, egg-carrying, tug-of-peace and the biggest event of all – musical chairs. Girls and boys of all ages compete against their peers. Even though these young athletes run with no shoes, high-jump with no mat and don’t have equipment that is taken for granted in Canada, it is easy to see how their skills and abilities and incredible enthusiasm transcend their circumstances.

Supporting sports is one way that CAUSE Kids promotes positive lifestyles, healthy competition and community development. Everybody wins when we work together to support quality education!